Brighton's support has grown noticeably as the club has climbed the divisions and established itself in European competition. The atmosphere inside the ground is at its best for derby fixtures and matches against London clubs, when the home end is consistently loud from early on. Away fans attend in a dedicated section and are generally well received in Brighton, which has a welcoming reputation on match days. The North Laine area of the city is a popular gathering point for supporters before kick-off, with a concentration of independent bars and pubs within easy reach of the station. Most fans head out to Falmer on the train as kick-off approaches, which makes the pre-match build-up feel distinctly urban and relaxed rather than stadium-focused.
